Volkswagen (VW) has stated that the European variants of the 3.0-litre diesel Porsche and Audi models powered by the EA896 powertrain, which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed to have been fitted with auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs, or defeat devices), have the same software, according to a Reuters report. It was reported earlier this week that the EPA had served VW with another Notice of Violation (NoV) for the 10,314 Audi, Porsche and VW brand vehicles fitted with AECDs that had the potential to alter Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. According to Reuters, the carmaker has now stated that the same devices were installed in cars in Europe. VW did not state how many cars in Europe were fitted with the software, but it did inform the news agency that AECDs were used in seven Audi, Porsche and VW models fitted with the EA896 V-6 3.0-litre diesel engine.
Significance: By way of response to the EPA, VW has stated that the AECD is not illegal in either Europe or the United States. In a statement to Reuters it said, "AECD software does not alter emissions levels, but it ensures after a cold start [of the engine] that the catalytic converters quickly reach their working temperature and emissions cleaning takes effect". AECDs also protect engine parts during the combustion process, which ensures the durability of after-treatment of exhaust gases. " However, in response to the EPA NoV, Porsche's North America d stopped sales of diesel-powered Cayenne SUVs from model years 2014 to 2016 until further notice and Audi has halted US deliveries of affected A6, A7, A8 and Q5 models. While the European models are fitted with the AECD software, there is no suggestion that it is active on them, but it is yet another element of the emissions affair that VW will have to address.
